Kitchen Basics

DIY Natural Cleaning Products

Don’t you just love that feeling when your home is clean, clutter is put away, trash is taken out, counters are wiped, and floors are swept, vacuumed and mopped? Having a clean home is not only good for your health but it also helps to declutter and relax the mind. And yet, after a good scrubbing and cleaning session, many people find themselves itching their eyes and skin, coughing uncontrollably and trying to soothe a headache. This is because most cleaning products out there are toxic and harmful.

So why not make your own cleaning products? DIY-ing your household cleaners is cheap, easy and much healthier for you, your children and your furry friends. You also probably have most of the ingredients tucked away in your house already.

Ditching the Toxic Stuff

According to Canadian law, chemicals at one percent or higher must be listed or pictured on the label. Everyone has seen those corrosive, explosive and poisonous symbols on cleaning supplies. This alerts you to the short-term negative effects these cleaners can have but it doesn’t tell you the long term effects of breathing, ingesting and touching these chemicals over time. Some common toxic ingredients in cleaning supplies include 2-butoxyethanol, ammonia, coal tar dyes, phthalates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and the list goes on and on and on. These chemicals are known to be carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, skin and eye irritants and toxic to the reproductive system.

DIY Natural Cleaners

Now that you have gotten a glimpse into the dangers of commercial cleaners, here is a breakdown of the natural cleaning ingredients you will need.

Now that you see how easy it is to make your own cleaner, it’s time to ditch those toxic cleaners under the sink and start making your own cheap, easy, safe and effective cleaners. Do you have any natural cleaners you love to make? Let us know in the comments below.

*Recipes above found in Make Your Place by Raleigh BriggsTamara Green is co-founder of The Living Kitchen, and a Holistic Nutritionist and Natural Cook. She combines her knowledge of nutrition and passion for cooking good food to work with clients to create lasting changes in their lives.